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County Mayo
Entry 5 of 23 | show all | print this entry |
After work on Thursday, Vin and I set off for my first trip to the West of Ireland, Ballinrobe where he is from. In the big bomber BMW, wait or Mercedes?, oh I don't know, it is big and bulky in the small Dublin streets is my point, we headed off.
Driving along about 30 minutes outside of Dublin, Vin says "uh-oh" and within a minute we are stalled no the side of the road in the absolutely pouring rain. Fortunately he had extra gas, as it sounded like some lack of fuel or fuel pump and we were off again with the goal to make it at lest to a halfway point so we could get a lift from Ballinrobe vs. turning back. The car did this again 2 more times, but fortunately always eventually restarted.
So, Ballinrobe... adorable little town that clearly has a mix of small town charm and a growing sophistication.. We didn't see much the first night, but Friday although I had a high fever and flu, I saw the town. It was so cute and the idea that everyone knows everyone and relatives are nearby I find endearing. We visited Ashford Castle from 1200 AD which was just spectacular and exactly what I imagined. Huge, roaming parts of dark stone looking over gardens and a lake. It reminded me of the Castle I visited in Versailles, where I attended a wedding when I was 12. Even in the rain, we meandered arround and I was informed that many, many famous people stay here in seclusion, including Pierce Brosnan (Sp?) and Ronald Reagan. Ballinrobe, surrounded by threee beautiful lakes, gorgeous landscapes and castles, certainly is a unique spot on the map! That night, we stayed in, engrossed with the rest of his family watchign the ridiculous "Big BRother" international saga ufnold (my first experience with it).
Saturday we explored gorgeous County Mayo and Connemara (I think, sorry need a map in front of me) and the scenery I found amazing. Vin thought it was swampy bog lands while I found it romantic and mystical! We passed the famous Delphi Lodge, stopped at some gorgeous lakes in the misty rain where fog was hovering and I said hello to my first Irish sheep. Then, back to Ballinrobe for yummy Irish roast thanks to his amazingly sweet mom, and then we explored the nightlife of Ballinrobe. I was surprised how croweded a bar in a town of 2000 was, especially seeing there seems to be a pub on every corner. Good fun.
Then, Sunday, we were off to Galway where I was meeting my good friend Lynn (also met in Wellington). I definitely was enamored with Mayo and absolutely am sure I will make it back to explore on some sunny days. And, I can't express what amazing hosts I was so lucky to stay with. It was really a great visit, well, to me, to Vin, it was just a regular weekend home in the rain!
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